News from Ward 5 (Mar 1, 2024)

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March 1, 2024

Saint Paul City Council Passes $45.1 Million for Street, Parks, and Rec Center Projects Funded by the New 1% Sales Tax

city council Feb 28 2024


This week, the Saint Paul City Council passed $45.1 million for street, parks, and recreation center projects funded by the City’s new 1% sales tax which will be implemented April 1, 2024. Residents will get to see critical investment in our streets and parks that are long overdue. I’m grateful for our Saint Paul delegation and for the previous council for leading this work.

Ward 5 will see funding for projects on Front Ave, Dale Street, various storm water improvements, revitalized parks & recreation centers, and more. This funding will allow us to go beyond investments in deferred maintenance and will bring one of our community’s greatest assets to be much more climate resilience. This looks like funding to implement the 1st phase of converting the Como Zoo & Conservatory’s heating to geothermal. These investments will go a long way and I look forward to continuing this work!

View the full list of Parks and Recreation projects funded through RES PH 24-3 here. More at stpaul.gov/ofs/sales-and-use-tax and at stpaul.gov/salestax.


Register for Youth Summer Sports

youth summer sports registration


Youth Summer Sports registration is open. Youth sports are FREE at all rec centers for 10U and up! Jump on the Early Bird Discounts this weekend.


Tax Assistance

tax help


Do you need help with your taxes this year?

Prepare + Prosper offers free tax preparation, financial coaching, and helps people obtain banking access. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance with several preparation options now through April 15. 


Coming Soon: Neighborhood & Cultural STAR 2024 Grants

Cultural STAR LogoNeighborhood STAR


Applications for Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR grant programs will open on Friday, April 5, 2024. Online applications for both programs will be due Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m. 

Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods and Cultural STAR grants support arts and cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul. 

Visit the program websites for more information on this year’s STAR programs. The 2024 guidelines and information on application workshops will be available in March. 


Winter Warming Spaces

winter warming spaces


Ramsey County winter warming spaces for those experiencing homelessness. Locations will be open every night from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the end of March 2024.

The free shuttle service will run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Ramsey County housing services and support staff will also be answering calls and emails from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to help refer people to available warming spaces or extra shelter beds.

Contact Us

Ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us 

651-266-8650

Schedule a Lake Lap

Ward 5 residents are invited to meet your councilmember while walking a lap around Lake Como. Email or call the Ward 5 office to schedule.


New Mobile Library to replace Bookmobile

Mobile Library


Saint Paul Public Library announced it is unveiling a new, state-of-the-art Mobile Library to replace the well-loved Bookmobile that spent more than 19 years traversing all corners of the city.

Starting in May, the new Mobile Library will provide new and expanded services based on community feedback, including access to mobile hotspots and Wi-Fi, and referrals to community resources and notary services.  


Mayoral State of Our City Address

state of our city address


On Monday, March 11, Mayor Carter will deliver the 2024 State of Our City address at the Xcel Energy Center. The 2024 State of Our City address is free and open to the public.

Monday, March 11, 2024 | begins at 12pm | Xcel Energy Center, Gate 1 Entrance (199 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102)

Free parking will be provided from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Paul RiverCentre Parking Ramp. RSVP if you're planning to join the State of Our City address in-person.

Watch the Mayor's State of Our City address live online.


Energy Assistance

energy assistance


Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program helps to pay those energy and water bills. You may apply online or in person.

You can also apply through the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (CAPRW) website. The CAPRW site lists the St. Paul location, hours, and phone number to call for questions.


Parks & Rec Programs

Open Swim 2024


Ongoing Activities

Ice Rinks

Visit the ice rinks webpage for a list of locations and hours. Most ice rinks are now open! Sites may host hockey games, practices, broomball, or other activities on the rinks, so please contact the recreation center to confirm open skating hours.

Special Events